Milan Melindo got another shot at the title 10 months after losing the International Boxing Federation (IBF) light flyweight crown. Melindo will be challenging undefeated Japanese champion Ken Shiro on Sunday for the World Boxing Council (WBC) light flyweight title at the Arena in Yokohama, Japan.
Melindo, 30, lost the IBF belt on New Year?s Eve against another Japanese Ryoichi Taguchi via unanimous decision in Tokyo, Japan. Melindo (37-3 win-loss record with 13 knockouts) is jumping into the fray with no tune up fights.
?I spent less time in sparring and more on conditioning. I trust my abilities plus of course we did good scouting on my opponent,? Melindo told The Manila Times in Filipino via overseas call.
Prior to losing his title to Taguchi, Melindo scored a first round technical knockout win over Yaegashi Akira of Japan and a split decision victory over South African Hekkie Budler.
Melido said that he spent a lot of time contemplating deeply on his career lately.
?I?ve read all the articles written about me and pondered on the positive and negative things said in them that I can use to be more successful.?
Melindo said that on top of the main components of his diet while training in Cebu, namely water and durian, he is now increasing his protein intake by eating more tuna.
Melindo?s trainer Edito Villamor cautioned that the upcoming bout is crucial to his ward?s career. ?It could make or break for him,? he said.
The 26-year-old Shiro is entering the bout with a 13-0 record with seven knockouts.
He successfully defended the WBC belt thrice since winning it from Mexican Ganigan Lopez via majority draw in 2017.
* * *
Laguna pug Apolinar scores win in Leyte Promising Tagalog boxer Pete Apolinar scored a unanimous decision win over Jason Tinampay in a non-title 130 lbs match in the first edition of Fight Night in Naval at the Naval Sports Complex in Leyte over the weekend.
Apolinar, a native of San Pablo City banked on his quickness, and aggression to wear down the Boholano Tinampay (8-11-1 win-loss-draw record with seven knockouts) whom he described as a hit-and-run, defensive fighter.
Apolinar, who was emerging from a brief hiatus, was thankful of the fight despite the brief preparation. ?I trained for less than three weeks plus two four-round sparring sessions,? he said.
Apolinar, who is now being trained and promoted by British trainer John Wild and his wife Sophia thanked IBF super flyweight champion Jerwin Ancajas for everything he has learned while training at the Survival Camp of Joven Jimenez in Magallanes, Cavite.
The 23-year-old Apolinar?s win-loss record has improved to 9-1 with six knockouts.
